Spending Hiatus; a shopoholic's biggest challenge

Its true I am going on a spending hiatus.

If you read the latest installment of three things I want you will have seen that I went on a bit of a spending spree and its time to give my credit card a break.

Especially since my day job is stay at home mom!

So I am challenging myself to a month of no spending. The biggest challenge for a shopoholic!

I usually last a week or two and then buy something small and I am off the wagon.

This time I am actually excited. I see this spending freeze as an opportunity to let my bank account recover a bit and evaluate what fantastic items for spring will compliment my wardrobe.

Week three was an utter disaster. I spent on myself this week.

After my third pair of jeans ripped in the crotch ( these things happen in threes right?) I decided I should take advantage of Gap's jean promo and replace my skinny jeans.

But before that I bought a great tunic at Social Butterfly for 50% off. It was such a great deal!

Then I found some stuff for a baby shower I will be attending this weekend and some items for my daughter. Who can turn down a St. Paddy's day tee for $1?

Sunbird Sheet Set Anthropologie

So while I didn't stick to my spending hiatus I am glad I got so many deals and if I am going to spend it is better to get things on sale right?!

So I am going to start over. You heard me - start from scratch. No spending for 1 month starting now.

And this time I will have some incentive. Set a budget for when this is over to spend. I saw a bunch of great things in the Anthropologie catalog!

Well I made it through week 2 of my spending hiatus!

I had many weak moments. Especially when GAP announced a jean sale right after my second pair of straight legged jeans ripped.

Yes I wear my jeans that much!

But I decided that if the weather is going to stay this fantastic I don't need to invest in a new pair of skinny or straight legged jeans until the fall when I will be tucking my jeans into my boots once again.

I did however make note of a Nick & Mo top I love at Studio We. Its not even that expensive. But I can definitely hold off until my month of saving is up.

I did buy my daughter a cute pair of sunglasses. But since the purchase was not for me but for the protection of my baby's eyes I think I am ok for shelling out the $8.

How did you do?

I think the first week went pretty well!

I spent the whole weekend out and about reviewing stores and though tempted didn't buy a thing!

This was particularly difficult when perusing all the cute tops and dresses at Social Butterfly.

I did buy some toiletries at Shoppers Drug Mart but I think that personal hygiene is beyond the scope of a spending freeze.

Today however my will is being tested as I wore out a pair of my favourite straight legged jeans. My Gap Real Straight jeans have been worn to death this winter but I was hoping they could make it through til spring.

I just have to tell myself I don't NEED new jeans.

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